Can you have too much poker? It’s a question that permeates any poker scene, especially since tournament series aren’t limited to the World Series in the middle of the summer anymore. While the larger tournament series aren’t necessarily geared toward the everyday player, the smaller regional events are much more welcoming. That was the thought of Silks’ poker room manager Patrick Murphy, who decided to take the chance with the Poker Players Championship series and brought a week-long series of tournaments to Tampa Bay Downs.
Leading up to the week-long event, the satellites were nicely attended. With tournaments getting between 80-150 players for the preliminaries and 307 for the main event, this series scored well with players. And the smaller buy-in with a large guarantee made it accessible for all.
The uniqueness of this series is that cash wasn’t the only prize available. Packages to the PPC World Championship in Aruba also was at stake. More than 20-plus packages were awarded, including six $5K packages for main event’s top five.
When we spoke with PPC’s Sandy Swartzbaugh about the packages he said, “Most players love this package since they get an opportunity to get away to paradise and play poker. It’s a dream come true. However, for whatever reason someone isn’t able to play, they can transfer or sell to another player interested in going.”
Eddie Kofler edged out R.J. Sullivan to win the main-event title, $28,687 and an Aruba package. The PPC and Silks have teamed for a last chance to Aruba. There will be five events Sept. 19-22 with the main event being a one-day $350 buy-in. With the success of the first series this is sure to draw a crowd.
NFL PROMOTIONS: Derby Lane in St. Petersburg has confirmed some NFL promotions and tournaments, but details aren’t finalized. The Silks will have high hands, touchdown prizes and a lounge for those looking to watch games. We’ll be updating you on these promotions and others as we get more details.
— Email Andrew Malowitz at anteupandrew@gmail.com.
Summer Series, Tampa Bay Downs
Event 1 • $120 NLHE
122 players • Pool: $11,834
William Haynes, $2,650
Event 2 • $130 Ladies
40 players • Pool: $3,880
Diane Magoulis, $443*
Event 3 • $330 PLO
124 players • Pool: $36,828
Rob Melo, $8,214
Event 4 • $120 Seniors
99 players • Pool: $9,462
Mike Baize, $1,538
Event 5 • $125 Bounty
78 players • Pool: $6,005
Edie Norman, $1,634
Event 6 • $120 U40
29 players • Pool: $2,812
Ian Bose, $1,000
Event 7 • $225 NLHE
196 players • Pool: $38,612
Michael Mattingly, $8,031
Event 8 • $540 NLHE
307 players • Pool: $152,579
Eddie Kofler, $28,687
Event 9 • $225 NLHE
57 players • Pool: $11,229
Sam Minutello, $3,361
* Denotes chop or deal
